FundLife Equips 55 Children with Basic Financial Literacy Skills Through Play

FundLife introduced  55 young people aged 6–15 to financial literacy through interactive games, futsal-based activities, and practical budgeting exercises during its“Money Smart Through Play” session at Tzu Chi Great Love Village in Palo, Leyte, on October 11, 2026.

Facilitated by FundLife Youth Mentors Coach Daniel Ocenar and Teacher Rojie Mae Valiente, the session helped participants explore where money comes from, distinguish between needs and wants, understand the importance of saving, and practise making thoughtful spending decisions. Through activities combining movement, teamwork, and everyday scenarios, children were encouraged to apply these lessons to familiar situations, such as managing their school allowance, saving for school supplies, and planning expenses with limited resources.

One of the session’s highlights was a budgeting challenge in which participants worked in groups to plan a solar system project using a hypothetical ₱100 budget. Each group discussed the materials needed, prioritised essential items, and made choices to ensure their proposed expenses stayed within budget.

The exercise gave children an opportunity to experience how budgeting works in practice. Beyond calculating costs, they practised listening to others, reaching group decisions, and understanding why planning matters when resources are limited.

The session also introduced money concepts through play and movement, allowing children to explore financial decisions in an active learning environment. Activities encouraged participants to recognise different sources of money, consider the difference between necessities and non-essential purchases, and understand how setting aside even small amounts can support future needs.

• 

• 

• 

With different ages learning together, facilitators provided closer guidance to younger children who needed support with instructions. This helped them take part alongside their peers and engage with the activities at a pace they could follow.

For FundLife, introducing financial literacy at an early age is part of its wider commitment to developing practical life skills through play-based learning. By combining education with games, movement, and peer interaction, the organisation creates opportunities for children to practise decision-making, communication, teamwork, and responsibility in ways they can understand and relate to their daily lives.

The activity was conducted in collaboration with the Tzu Chi International Youth Organization (TIYA) through Project SEID (Sparking Entrepreneurship, Integrity, and Dreams), an initiative under its International Youth Leadership Program. The wider programme also featured storytelling facilitated by the Rotaract Club of Tacloban and a reflection activity led by Tzu Chi.

Through this collaboration, FundLife demonstrated how financial literacy can be made accessible and engaging for children of different ages. More than learning what money is or how to save, the session offered 55 young people an opportunity to practise making choices, planning, and working together- practical skills that can support their everyday decisions and future opportunities.